Band testing apparatus



Euiy 30, 1935. J. LONGLEY BAND TESTING APPARATUS Filed March 5, 1952 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR- Y @flm,

ATTORNEY- Jul 30, 1935. E QNGLEY 2,009,406

BAND TESTING APPARATU S Filed March 5, 1932 3' Sheets-Sheet 2 lNVEgTO BY ATTORNEY- Juiy 30, 1935. 1 E, LONGLEY 2,009,406

BAND TESTING APPARATUS Filed March 5, 1932 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 W W lll fioRNEY bands.

Patented July 39, 1935 UNITED STATES BAND TESTING APPARATUS James Edward Longley, Verona, N. J., assignor to Lock Joint Pipe Company, East Orange, N. J., a corporation of New Jersey Application March 5, 1932, Serial No. 596,978

12 Claims. (CI. 73-51) This invention relates to apparatus for testing welded joints of bands.

In the reinforced concrete pipe industry it is common practice to weld the ends of circular These bands serve as reinforcing and are spaced at short intervals along the axis of the pipe. They must be of uniform size and roundness and must all have a tensile strength not less than a certain minimum prescribed for the size and use of the particular pipe of which they are to be a part. A circular band is usually formed from straight stock which is cut to length and rolled into shape with ends abutting. The shape is trued and the ends welded together.

It has been the practice to test each weld by a device having jaws adapted to take hold of the band on either side of the Weld and exert a known pull upon the welded joint. After the weld had withstood the test it was necessary again to true the shape of the band and to take out any kinks and deformities that might have been caused by the action of the testing machine and by its jaws.

Among the objects of this invention is to provide an apparatus by which a closed band may be subjected to tensile stress, tested and trued as to form in one operation and with the minimum amount of handling of the band.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the class described which is adapted, for accommodating bands of different diameters.

Other and more detailed objects will be pointed out hereinafter and in the accompanying specification and claims and shown in the drawings which, by way of illustration, show preferred embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 1 is an elevation of an apparatus embodying'my invention.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view on line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a horizontal view on line 3-3 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a detail section on line 4-4 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a detail section on line 55 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a plan of another apparatus embodying my invention.

Fig. '7 is a side view of the apparatus shown in Fig. 6, and

Fig. 8 is an end view of the apparatus shown in Fig. 6.

Having reference to Figs. 1 and 2, the apparatus comprises plates Ill and H mounted in such a manner as to enable relative movement therebetween in the plane of their surfaces. As seen in Fig. 1, the right hand end of plate Ill is fastened to two angle-irons I2, I3 which constitute a pair of standards of the frame which supports the entire apparatus. Bolts I4 pass through the two angle-irons l2 and I3, plate llland a spacing bar l5, Fig. 2. The left end of plate H3, as seen in Fig. 1, is similarly supported by means of bolts l6 which pass through a pair of vertically extending angle-irons H and i8. Angle-irons are convenient-structural shapes and therefore have been utilized in the apparatus illustrated, but it is to be appreciated that structural members of other shapes and material may be utilized.

The two pairs of angle-irons l2, l3 and l1, l8 are maintained in spaced relation by means of short structural members it, 20, 2| and a member 22 which extends between members [9 and 2|, The lowcr'ends of the vertically extending angle-iron members l2, I3, I! and !8 are secured to a base 2 5 made up of several pieces of timber.

Another pair of vertically disposed angleirons 25, 26 are provided for supporting a weight-carrying device in conjunction with angle-irons l2 and I3. These two pairs of angleirons are joined at the top by beam 21 to which the weight-carrying device is attached. The parts thus far described, with the exception of plate ll, are all stationary members which contribute to the rigidity of the apparatus.

The right end of plate H is disposed between angle-irons l2 and i3, and the left end of the plate is disposed between angle-irons I1 and I8. In order to reduce friction, rollers are used to guide plate I l in its movement towards and away from plate l0. These rollers are mounted on either side of the plate on standards I2, I 3, l1 and l8. As seen in Fig. 2, rollers 29, 30 are carried by the angle-iron standard l2, and rollers 3| and 32 are carried by the angle-iron standard l3. Angle-irons H and H3 at the left end of the apparatus each carry three rollers 33, 34' and 35.

Plate II has an extension 36 to which is secured a chain 3i. The upper end of this chain is .connected to the left end of a balance beam 38 which is pivoted at 39 to angle-irons H and E8. The right end of balance beam 38 has hooked to it a Weight 40 and lifting device 4|. This lifting device is carried by beam 21 and is used to remove the eifect of weight 40 from the beam when a band is to be removed from the apparatus or when the apparatus is not in use.

Each of plates H) and H is part of a member having forms whose inside shapes correspond with the curvature of the band which is to be tested. Forms 42 and 43 are-associated with the members including plate It and plate ll, respectively. While the forms could be permanently welded to plates Ill and Il, each form is welded to other plates 44, 45 which are detachably held in place upon plates 10 and H by means of bolts 45, 41. This arrangement affords simple means for permitting the interchange of forms whenever it is desired to test bands of shapes and sizes other than that for which the'particular forms in use are suitable.

When the apparatus is not in use, the weight 48 is supported by the lifting device 4| and the left end of plate H is supported by plate I'll. A pivot member 48 serves as the other support for plate I I. This pivot member is placed in the vicinity of the right ends of t'orms- 42', 4-3 and acts as a fulcrum and support when a band is: being tested.

In using the apparatus, a'b'and is mounted in such a manner that the exterior surfaces of forms 42 and 43 engage the inner surface of the band, and. the joint to be tested: is disposed intermediate the ends. of the two forms 42 and 43 at point 49. Having previously determined how much the weight at 40 shouldbe to provide a desired pull at 49, the desired tension is applied to the band by permitting the weight 48 to be suspended. from the right end of balance beam 38. As soon. as one band is tested, the effect of the weight upon the balance beam 38 is removed while the tested band is removed anda new band is mounted in place.

Pivot member 48. is so shaped that the height of the pivot point of plate ll may be varied by drawing the pivotmember forward or by pushing it away from the operator. As clearly shown in Fig- 5, the upstanding flange of the pivot memher. is so tapered. that a pull. toward the operator will cause plate H to be raised and a push. from the operator will cause plate H to be lowered.

The pivot member is slidable on. a shelf and a handle 5| facilitates its handlingby the operator.

The apparatus may be adjusted for use so that whenthe weight 40- is applied to the balance beam there will be but little movement of. plate H. However, should a band happen to be deformed to an unusual extent, the superficial area of the forms 42, 43 may be reduced by lowering. the height of pivot member 48 to allow mounting of the band. Also when forms are to be used having sizes and. shapes other than those shown, the adjustable pivot member will afford additional. opportunity of setting the plates to suit the operator and the exigencies of the situation.

It is apparent that the principle of simultaneously trueingthe band and testing the strength of its welded joint may be embodied in different forms. The apparatus which I have just described has certain features which may or may not be desirable fora particular job. For example, it might be satisfactory to use a pivot of a non-adjustable character and the forms 42, 43 can be permanently secured to plates I0, If. Then again another kind of load-applying mechanism may be desired. In Figs. 6, 7 and 8, I have shown an apparatus which is intended to illustrate the manner of use of difierent instrumentalities. In this apparatus the testing and shaping members comprising plates 54, are mounted in a horizontal plane upon a frame made up of angle iron members 56, 51, 58 and 59, which .are rigidly connected together. A hinge 50 serves as a pivot between. the two plates, and rollers El, 62, 63 and 64 serve to support the plates opposite the points where welded joints are tested.

In order to insure stability and the maintaining of plates 54, 55 in their horizontal planes, pin and slot connections are provided between the plates and the frame. These pin and slot connections comprise bolts 65, 66 extending from angle-iron 56 and bolts 6'! and 68 extending from angle-iron 58. Bolts Biand 66pass through slots 63 and it, respectively, in plate 54', and bolts 51', pass through slots 'H and 12 respectively, in plate The centers or curvature of all these slots are at the center of hinge 60.

For purposes of convenience, the apparatus is provided with three sets of forms l3, l4 and 15 adapted to accommodate rings of different sizes. These forms are mounted concentrically and are welded; to their. associated plates.

The force-applying device may take any form an'dl haveshown a pneumatic cylinder 16 mounted. upon one of the. plates 54 The piston 12'! has a pin and slot connection 18 withithe other plate 55. I' l-ris device is so:- mounted' that. the force: applied thereby willbe effective in approximately the medial plane of the bandwh-iclt isto be tested.

The portion of plate 54 to which the pneumatic cylinder is attached carries a member i9 which. extends between a bar. 30- and. a member 82'. Member 8 t, extending from plate 55, likewise extendsb-etween bar 851- and' member 82.. Meir-rber 32 extends between the outer ends of. members 83 and 2-4 which are inturn: supported fromthe main frame'composed of members 56 5?, 5S and Bar 86 is spaced from. member 83. byplates 85, 86 which are of such; dimensions as to permit all necessary movement of. members l9. and SI. and, hence,.of plates 54,. 55.. The various rigidly connected members are welded at their joints.

Each of the apparatuses described has certain advantages peculiar to itself, but aside from the fact that the apparatus illustrated in Figs. t,v 7 and 8 occupies more floor space than the other, the remaining advantages maybe availed of in either structure by utilizing those features of construction which are desired. The utilization of.

the principle involved in any manner saves. much time and expense in that it obviates the necessity of trueing the band before as well as. after the welding operation. The apparatus makes it possible to true the band just once and that is done at the time the weld is tested. It is apparent that bands of dilferent shapes and materials may be satisfactorily trued and tested by an apparatus having forms of the proper shape and size.

The invention is capable of a wide variation and relationship of parts without departure from the nature and principle thereof and I do not restrict myself unessentiall'y' in the foregoing or other particulars, but contemplate such alterations and modifications within the scope of the appended claims as may be found. to be advisable.

I claim:

1. An apparatus for testing the tensile strength of joints of bands, comprising in combination, a

pair of plates, means supporting said plates in the 2. An apparatus for testing the tensile strength of joints of bands, comprising in combination, a pair of plates, means supporting said plates in the same plane, one of said plates being permanently held in a fixed position and the second plate being limited to movement to and from the fixed plate, forms for engaging the inside surface of a band, said forms being detachably mounted on said plates for replacement by similar forms of a different shape, a pivot member supporting said movable plate, said pivot member being positionable for varying the spacing of said plates, and weighted means tending to rock the movable plate on said pivot member against the resistance of a band mounted on said band engaging forms.

3. An apparatus for testing the tensile strength of joints of closed bands, comprising in combination, a device for determining the strength of a joint in a closed band including a member for engaging the inner surface of a portion of a band, another member for engaging the inner surface of another portion of said band, means supporting said two members but permitting relative movement in the plane of a band engaged thereby, a pivot supporting one of said members for pivotal movement in relation to the other member, and means for tilting one of said members in relation to the other to strain a joint in the circumference of a band in engagement with said members under a tensile stress proportional to a measured tilting load acting upon said means.

4. An apparatus for testing the tensile strength of joints of closed bands, comprising in combination, a member for engaging the inner surface of a portion of a band, said member being mounted in a fixed position, a second member adapted to engage the inner surface of another portion of said band, means supporting said secand member to move in the plane of said first member, a pivot upon which said second member may rock in relation to.said first member, and means for first rocking said second member in relation to said first member until they are brought into engagement with the band to be tested and then applying a predetermined force in opposition to the reaction of the band against further separation of said members.

5. An apparatus for testing the tensile strength of joints of closed bands, comprising in combination, a member for engaging the inner surface of a portion of a band, said member being mounted in a fixed position, a second member adapted to engage the inner surface of another portion of said band, means supporting said second memher to move in the plane of said first member, a pivot upon which said second member may rock in relation to said first member, said pivot being variable in height for enabling changes in the superficial area covered by said members, and means for rocking said second member to engage and exert tensile stress on the band engaged by both of said members.

6. An apparatus for testing the tensile strength of joints of closed bands comprising, in combination, a horizontal frame, plates mounted thereon and having forms for engaging portions of the inner surface of a band to be tested, and means for rocking said plates against the action of the joint of a band lying upon said plates, said means comprising a hinge connecting the plates in the vicinity of the band, and means for first separating said plates until the forms are brought into engagement with the band to be tested and then applying a predetermined force in opposi- '7. Apparatus for applying a measured force to a closed band for testing the tensile strength of a portion of the'band, such as a joint in the circumference of the band, comprising, in combination, a device for exerting tensile stress on a joint in the circumference of a band, including forms for engaging the inner surface of the band upon both sides of the portion to be tested, said forms being pivotally mounted in respect to each other in the vicinity of a portion of the band removed from the portion to be tested so that only the portion of the band which is to be tested will be subjected to substantial tensile stress in opposition to any tendency to separate the forms by rocking them in respect to each other, and force exerting means having connection with one of the forms for exerting a rocking tendency thereon so as to apply a predetermined tension to the portion of the band to be tested.

8. Apparatus for applying a measured force to a closed band for testing the tensile strength of a portion of the band, such as a joint in the circumference of the band, comprising, in combination, a device for exerting tensile stress on a joint in the circumference of a band, including a pair of forms for engaging the inner surface of the band, means supporting said forms to enable rocking therebetween at one end of the forms and separation of the other end of the forms adjacent a joint in the band supported by the forms, and force exerting means for causing the joint of the band to restrain pivotal movement of the forms in respect to each other by a predetermined force proportional to the force exerted by the force exerting means.

9. In combination, a device for determining the strength of a joint in a band comprising a pair of forms disposed within the band, lever means supporting one of said forms in pivotal relation to the other and fulcrumed at a point remote from the joint in the band, and force exerting means having connection with said lever means to tilt the same upon its fulcrum and to apply stress to the joint of the band in proportion to the force exerted by the force exerting means.

10. In combination, a device for determining the strength of a joint in a band comprising joint straining elements disposed within the band and. so mounted in respect to each other as to effect more strain on a single segment of the band than at any other segment of the band, means for shifting one of said elements away from the other to strain the band, a force applying device for 7 so shifting one of said elements away from the other and to test the said single segment of the bandl for strength by applyingtensile stress thereto in known relation to the force acting through said force applying device, and means for removing the efiect of the force applying device upon the band to relieve the band from all strain.

11. In combination, a device for determining the strength of a joint in a band comprising a pair of forms disposed within the band and fulcrumed at a point remote from the joint so as to enable the application of measurable stress to the joint when a tipping load is applied to one of said forms, and means for applying a measured tipping load to one of the forms to strain the joint of the band an amount proportional to the tipping load so as to obtain an indication of the strength of the joint.

12. In combination, a device for determining the strength of a joint in a b d including a pai of forms disposed within the band and fulcrumed at a, point remote from the joint for pivotal movement in respect to each other, bal- 5 ance means having connection with one of said forms at a point outside of the band upon the forms, and means operating upon said balance, means for applying a measured tipping load to said fulcrumed forms to strain the joint by an amount proportional to the tipping load so as to obtain an indication of the strength of the joint.

'JAMES EDWARD LONGLEY. 

